The movie was filmed in Chicago over the summer and is expected to highlight the violence that has thrust the city into the national spotlight in recent years. It features stars like Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Teyonah Parris, John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson.

"Chiraq" is the slang term some use to compare America's third-largest city to a war zone because of its violent crime.

“A lot of things have been said about this film,” Lee said at the news conference, attended by residents holding photos of loved ones killed by Chicago gun violence. “By people who know nothing about the film. A lot of people have opinions about the so-called title of the film. Again, they know nothing about the film.”

First announced in January, Amazon Original Movies will allow the company to produce and acquire original films for theatrical release while also offering an “early window distribution” for Prime members.